Collation of health literature for tropical and exotic fruits and extracts

This report collates data on the nutrient and phytochemical content of tropical exotic fruits, the evidence for health effects from consumption of these fruit and the use of extracts from edible and non-edible parts of these plants. The knowledge of Australian fruit compared with that grown overseas is presented together with opportunities for future work by Australian researchers. Opportunities for developing commercial extracts for use as food or nutraceutical uses are also presented.

Risk factors for delayed healing in venous leg ulcers: A review of the literature [Letter]

We thank Andrea Cariati for his comments in response to our article on ‘Risk factors for delayed healing in venous leg ulcers: a review of the literature���. The relationship between lymphoedema and venous disease has not yet been well explored and we acknowledge that impairment of lymph flow may be a risk factor for delayed healing of venous leg ulcers...

A systematic literature review of alcohol education programmes in middle and high school settings (2000-2014)

Purpose Social marketing benchmark criteria were used to understand the extent to which single-substance alcohol education programmes targeting adolescents in middle and high school settings sought to change behaviour, utilised theory, included audience research and applied the market segmentation process. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review retrieved a total of 1,495 identified articles; 565 duplicates were removed. The remaining 930 articles were then screened. Articles detailing formative research or programmes targeting multiple substances, parents, families and/or communities, as well as elementary schools and universities were excluded. A total of 31 articles, encompassing 16 qualifying programmes, were selected for detailed evaluation. Findings The majority of alcohol education programmes were developed on the basis of theory and achieved short- and medium-term behavioural effects. Importantly, most programmes were universal and did not apply the full market segmentation process. Limited audience research in the form of student involvement in programme design was identified. Research limitations/implications This systematic literature review focused on single-substance alcohol education programmes targeted at middle and high school student populations, retrieving studies back to the year 2000. Originality/value The results of this systematic literature review indicate that application of the social marketing benchmark criteria of market segmentation and audience research may represent an avenue for further extending alcohol education programme effectiveness in middle and high school settings.

Professor Lichtenberger, German literature professor at the Sorbonne, with Toni and Sigmund Feist Portraits; Groups

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Grid-connected versus stand-alone energy systems for decentralized power-A review of literature

The decentralized power is characterised by generation of power nearer to the demand centers, focusing mainly on meeting local energy needs. A decentralized power system can function either in the presence of grid, where it can feed the surplus power generated to the grid, or as an independent/stand-alone isolated system exclusively meeting the local demands of remote locations. Further, decentralized power is also classified on the basis of type of energy resources used-non-renewable and renewable. These classifications along with a plethora of technological alternatives have made the whole prioritization process of decentralized power quite complicated for decision making. There is abundant literature, which has discussed various approaches that have been used to support decision making under such complex situations. We envisage that summarizing such literature and coming out with a review paper would greatly help the policy/decision makers and researchers in arriving at effective solutions. With such a felt need 102 articles were reviewed and features of several technological alternatives available for decentralized power, the studies on modeling and analysis of economic, environmental and technological asibilities of both grid-connected (GC) and stand-alone (SA) systems as decentralized power options are presented. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dr. Bernhard Bardach with unidentified soldiers before departing to the Italian Front Military; Portraits; Groups

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Italian Alpine Club Portraits Groups

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Public history, private memories: Historical imagination in the new Italian cinema 1988-1999

The concern with the following arguments started during a study of national and international cinemas, from the desire to account for a cinema that internationally was doing well, but was undervalued domestically. The aims were to account for the renewal of Italian filmmaking from 1988, the New Italian cinema, and understand the conditions behind this renewal. The thesis identifies in the historical theme and in the recurrence of features from Italian cinema history elements of coherence with previous cinema production. The first consideration that emerges is that a triangulation between a new generation of filmmakers, their audience and recent history shaped the recovery of Italian cinema from 1988. A second consideration is that no discussion of Italian cinema can be separated from a discussion of that which it represents: Italian society and politics. This representation has not only addressed questions of identity for a cohort of spectators, but on occasions has captured the attention of the international audience. Thus the thesis follows a methodologic approach that positions texts in relation to certain traditions in Italian filmmaking and to the context by taking into consideration also industrial factors and social and historical changes. By drawing upon a range of disciplines, from political history to socio-psychological studies, the thesis has focussed on representation of history and memory in two periods of Italian film history: the first and the last decade of twentieth century. The concern has been not so much to interpret the films, but to understand the processes that made the films and how spectarors have applied their knowledge structures to make meaning of the films. Thus the thesis abstains from ascribing implicit meanings to films, but acknowledges how films project cultural contingencies. This is beacause film is shaped by production conditions and cultural and historical circumstances that make the film intelligible. As Bordwell stated in Making Meaning, "One can do other things with films besides 'reading' them" (1989, p. xiii). Within this framework, the thesis proposes a project that understands history films with the norms that govern Italian filmic output, those norms that regulate conditions of production and consumption and the relation between films from various traditions.

Resting pastures to improve land condition in northern Australia: guidelines based on the literature and simulation modelling

Pasture rest is a possible strategy for improving land condition in the extensive grazing lands of northern Australia. If pastures currently in poor condition could be improved, then overall animal productivity and the sustainability of grazing could be increased. The scientific literature is examined to assess the strength of the experimental information to support and guide the use of pasture rest, and simulation modelling is undertaken to extend this information to a broader range of resting practices, growing conditions and initial pasture condition. From this, guidelines are developed that can be applied in the management of northern Australia’s grazing lands and also serve as hypotheses for further field experiments. The literature on pasture rest is diverse but there is a paucity of data from much of northern Australia as most experiments have been conducted in southern and central parts of Queensland. Despite this, the limited experimental information and the results from modelling were used to formulate the following guidelines. Rest during the growing season gives the most rapid improvement in the proportion of perennial grasses in pastures; rest during the dormant winter period is ineffective in increasing perennial grasses in a pasture but may have other benefits. Appropriate stocking rates are essential to gain the greatest benefit from rest: if stocking rates are too high, then pasture rest will not lead to improvement; if stocking rates are low, pastures will tend to improve without rest. The lower the initial percentage of perennial grasses, the more frequent the rests should be to give a major improvement within a reasonable management timeframe. Conditions during the growing season also have an impact on responses with the greatest improvement likely to be in years of good growing conditions. The duration and frequency of rest periods can be combined into a single value expressed as the proportion of time during which resting occurs; when this is done the modelling suggests the greater the proportion of time that a pasture is rested, the greater is the improvement but this needs to be tested experimentally. These guidelines should assist land managers to use pasture resting but the challenge remains to integrate pasture rest with other pasture and animal management practices at the whole-property scale.

Antisemitic literature collection.

The antisemitic literature collection contains publications and illustrations related primarily to the subject of antisemitism in the United States in the twentieth century. The bulk of the materials are in English and in good condition. The materials were collected over several decades primarily by Nathan Kaganoff, librarian of the American Jewish Historical Society.

Creative writing: Literature review and evidence-based research

There is growing evidence, especially in the USA and UK, that creative writing can form an important part of the recovery experience of people affected by severe mental illness. In this chapter, I consider theoretical models that explain how creative writing might contribute to recovery, and discuss the potential for creative writing in psychosocial rehabilitation. It is argued that the rehabilitation benefits of creative writing might be optimized through focus on process and technique in writing, rather than expression or content alone, and that consequently, the involvement of professional writers might be important. I will explore the recent history of theoretical frameworks and explanatory models that link creative writing and recovery, and examine such empirical evidence as is available on the contribution of creative writing to recovery from severe mental illness.

Literature, tourism and the city: Writing and cultural change

Today national and regional tourism organizations look to sophisticated cultural tourism programs to enhance the visitor experience for tourists of their particular city. Yet research indicates that a challenge exists in designing and implementing programs that take full advantage of a city’s historical and emergent literary cultures. In this paper we offer critical insights into how literary cultural heritage can foster the development of an integrated and dynamic approach and provide the experience sought by local and global tourists. International exemplars are cited together with an analysis of the Australian city of Brisbane that describes itself as a ‘new world city.’ The findings of our research show that programs that harness diverse literary cultures, rather than adhering to a single literary representation, are better equipped to build identity and thus extend cultural tourism potential.

Can active learning principles be applied to the bioscience assessments of nursing students? A review of the literature

- Objectives To explore if active learning principles be applied to nursing bioscience assessments and will this influence student perception of confidence in applying theory to practice? - Design and Data Sources A review of the literature utilising searches of various databases including CINAHL, PUBMED, Google Scholar and Mosby's Journal Index. - Methods The literature search identified research from twenty-six original articles, two electronic books, one published book and one conference proceedings paper. - Results Bioscience has been identified as an area that nurses struggle to learn in tertiary institutions and then apply to clinical practice. A number of problems have been identified and explored that may contribute to this poor understanding and retention. University academics need to be knowledgeable of innovative teaching and assessing modalities that focus on enhancing student learning and address the integration issues associated with the theory practice gap. Increased bioscience education is associated with improved patient outcomes therefore by addressing this “bioscience problem” and improving the integration of bioscience in clinical practice there will subsequently be an improvement in health care outcomes. - Conclusion From the literature several themes were identified. First there are many problems with teaching nursing students bioscience education. These include class sizes, motivation, concentration, delivery mode, lecturer perspectives, student's previous knowledge, anxiety, and a lack of confidence. Among these influences the type of assessment employed by the educator has not been explored or identified as a contributor to student learning specifically in nursing bioscience instruction. Second that educating could be achieved more effectively if active learning principles were applied and the needs and expectations of the student were met. Lastly, assessment influences student retention and the student experience and as such assessment should be congruent with the subject content, align with the learning objectives and be used as a stimulus tool for learning.

Commonwealth government agency libraries review: Literature review

Ongoing financial, administrative, and technological changes present significant challenges and opportunities for government libraries in delivering services to their clients. Determining how government library and information services might best confront these challenges and take advantage of new opportunities is crucial for the future of the sector. The Australian Government Libraries Information Network (AGLIN) has commissioned a review of service delivery models in Commonwealth Government libraries. As an initial step in the project, a literature review was undertaken in order to consider the issues which impact directly on government library service provision today. The literature review builds on and updates the review prepared for the Queensland Government Agency Libraries Review (QGALR) five years ago.

Italian ja Veneton läänin kolmas sektori. Maaraportti maaseutualueiden palvelutuotannon haasteista ja hyvistä käytännöistä.

Tiivistelmä Maaraportin tavoitteena on luoda yleiskatsaus Italian kolmanteen sektoriin ja tutkimus kohdistuu erityisesti Pohjois-Italiassa sijaitsevan Veneton läänin kolmannen sektorin palvelutuotantoon. Raportissa tarkastellaan erityisesti kolmannen sektorin ja julkisen palvelutuotantosektorin sekä julkishallinnon toiminnallisia suhteita. Kolmannen sektorin mahdollisuuksia vastata maaseutualueiden palvelujen tarjonnan haasteisiin on pyritty analysoimaan. Italia on julkishallinnon ja kolmannen sektorin palvelutuotannon kannalta tarkasteltuna nykytilanteessa mielenkiintoinen testilaboratorio koko Euroopan mittakaavassa johtuen maan historiallisista, kulttuuri-sista, kieli- ja maantieteellisistä sekä itse väestöpohjan tarjoamista haasteista. Italiasta ei voida puhua yhden homogeenisen valtiokäsitteen alla, koska maa toimii kulttuurisista perinteistään johtuen kolmella eri nopeudella. Itse valtio käsitettäkin tulkitaan Italiassa monin eri tavoin pohjautuen ”valtiona” nähdyn organisaation käytännön funktioon sitoutuneena alueellisiin ja kulttuurisiin tekijöihin. Teollinen, dynaaminen yritysten varakas Pohjois-Italia henkilöityneenä Milanoon, hallinnon ja kulttuurin leimaama Keski-Italia kiteytyneenä ikuiseen kaupunkiin Roomaan ja Napolin alapuolinen Etelä-Italia, joka painii ”järjestelmässä sisällä olevan järjestelmänsä” kanssa eivät ole koskaan muodos-taneet oikeasti yhtenäistä Italian valtiota. Italiassa erillisinä itsehallinnollisina alueina toimivat lääneiksi luettavat Sisilia, Trentino Alto-Adige, Val di Aosta, Sardegna ja Friuli-Venezia Giulia, mikä lisää hallinnollista kirjavuutta. Viimeisten vuosien aikana Italian julkishallinto on ollut jatkuvassa transitiotilassa yrittäessään kohdata uudistumisen vaateita globalisoituvassa maailmassa. Italiassa on meneillään hidas siirtyminen liittovaltiomaiseen järjestelmään ja jopa syvempään paikallisuuteen. Massiivinen ja raskas julkishallintokoneisto neljällä eri tasolla (valtio - lääninhallinnolliset alueet - vahvat maakunnat - kunnat) on erittäin hankalasti modernisoitavissa, mutta poliittinen tahtotila on vaihtumassa klassista vahvaa keskushallintoa kannattavasta ajattelutavasta hyväksymään federalistisia, alueellisia hallintoratkaisuja. Italiassa on herätty havaitsemaan, että ongelmien ratkaisu täytyy viedä itse alueille ja niiden ihmisille, koska unilateraalinen keskushallinnointitapa ei enää vastaa monikerroksisiin, moniulotteisiin alueellisiin haasteisiin. Jokaisella alueella on erilaiset lähtökohdat ongelmien ratkaisuihin myös globalisoitumisen asettamissa yhteisissä haasteissa. Kolmannen sektorin asema arvostettuna italialaisten kansalaispalvelujen täydentäjänä ja tuottajana alkaa olla nykypäivää. Kolmannen sektorin elintärkeä osuus uusien palvelutarpeiden tunnistamisessa on jo yleisesti tunnustettu tosiasia Italiassa. Vapaaehtoisjärjestöt toimivat eturivissä kansalaisten arkipäivässä ja pystyvät näin kanavoimaan ensimmäisinä sosiaalista kehityskulkua ja kohottamaan esiin erilaisia marginaalistenkin ryhmien tarpeita sekä vastaamaan niihin. Kolmas sektori laajentaa, tuottaa ja paikkaa paikallista julkista palvelutuotantoa. Ratkaiseva askel lainsäädännölliseltä kannalta on ollut rahoitusvirtojen ohjaaminen kolmannen sektorin ns. ONLUS-organisaatioille ja ONLUS-statuksen perustaminen vuonna 1997. Italiassa on 60 231.214 asukasta (31.7.2009) ja se on hallinnollisesti jakaantuneena 8 100 kuntaan. Suomessa vastaavat luvut ovat 5 350 712 asukasta ja 348 kuntaa (11/2009). Maantieteelliseltä kooltaan Italia ei eroa 301 338 km2:n pinta-alallaan paljonkaan Suomesta (338 424 km2). Väestömäärän erojen vuoksi Italiassa on keskimäärin 199,9 asukasta neliökilometrillä ja Suomessa 17,1. Maiden välinen suora vertailu ei ollut mittakaavaerojen vuoksi järkevää. Kuntien hallinnollinen rooli on Italiassa painotukseltaan erilainen kuin Suomessa. Suomessa kuntien vastuulla oleva sosiaali-, terveydenhuolto- ja koulutoimi eivät ole samassa laajuudessa italialaisten kuntien vastuulla vaan näiden toimialojen vastuulliset tahot ovat läänit terveydenhoitopiireineen sekä maakuntahallinto koulupiirien osalta. Italialaisten kuntien vastuualueet voivat myös vaihdella mittavasti perustuslaissa määriteltyjen perustoimien lisäksi. Tutkimuksen kohteeksi on rajattu Koillis-Italiassa sijaitseva Veneton läänin alue, koska se on väkimäärältään lähes yhtä suuri kuin Suomi, 4 893 309 asukasta (31.3.2009). Kuntien lukumäärä on huimaava 581 kpl. Veneto on maantieteelliseltä alueeltaan pieni ja harvaan asuttua maaseutua on pinta-alasta melko niukasti. Pohjoisen osan vuoristoalueet karuine olosuhteineen muodostavat palvelutuotannollisesti haas-teellisen ympäristön, joka on verrattavissa suomalaisten maaseutualueiden tilanteeseen. Venetossa on omaksuttu Italian mittakaavassa innovatiivisia ratkaisuja julkishallinnon palvelutuotannon ja kolmannen sektorin toiminnan osalta. Veneton alue on luokiteltu maailman pienyritysintensiivisimmäksi alueeksi, mikä heijastuu myös alueen palvelutuotantoratkaisuissa. Raportti esittelee ensin Italian hallintoa, keskushallinnon, paikallishallinnon ja tutkimuksen asettelulle olennaisten kolmannen sektorin toimijoiden osalta. Tämä on välttämätöntä, sillä kolmannen sektorin toiminta on Italiassa hyvin pitkälle lainsäädännöllä ohjattua ja rajattua. Kolmannen sektorin käsitteistöä, toimijoita, järjestäytymistä ja sen toimintaa säätelevää lainsäädäntöä esitellään tarkemmin. Veneton läänin osalta kolmanteen sektoriin perehdytään sekä hallinnon että toimijakentän näkökulmia tulkiten. Raportin lopussa esitellään kolmannen sektorin palvelutuotantoon ja hallinnointiin liittyviä case-esimerkkitapauksia.